ACA may cause increased health premiums

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may lead to increased health insurance rates in the future, according to Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini.

In an interview with CNBC, Bertolini noted that if healthcare was going to be given to all consumers across the country, it would lead to raised rates for the average policyholder.

In the beginning of the program, costs will increase for most consumers, according to Bertolini. It's only later, when administrative and other costs can be significantly reduced, that policyholders will see the reduced costs that many are expecting.

Additionally, noted the Aetna CEO, the costs will be higher for insurers. Although a higher premium coming in from consumers will offer them a larger cushion, the wider preemptive care rules and the allowance of new consumers who have preexisting conditions will mean that providers will be caring for sicker patients, thereby spending larger amounts on care.